As it stands now, I have stained this deck just 2x, the first time being April 2007. I believe the deck was built in the fall of 2006. I advised the client to wait until spring to wash and stain for the first time. I don’t have pictures from that day, but here is how it looks in April 2008 after a quick stain job. My next bit of advice for this sweet lady in Aptos was to call me again in October and I will throw another coat of Biowash Natural Oil on it for $50. The key to brand new decks is to let them age a bit before showering them with love. It’s all about the love!!